The point guard is often called the quarterback of the basketball team, and for good reason. As the primary ball handler, passer and initiator of the offense, the point guard has a whole host of responsibilities. If you are called on to be your team’s point guard, there are some training tips and techniques you’ll want to keep in mind to be a great point guard.
Conditioning
One of the most important elements to being a good point guard is speed, or quickness. The point guard is called upon to handle the basketball a great amount, many times against pressure defense. This requires a lot of running, cutting and slashing, all while dribbling the basketball. In order to be ready for this type of game play, stay in peak physical condition. Practice conditioning drills to prepare your body for the rigors of game play. One such drill is the suicide drill, one of the more famous practice drills. In this drill, stand at the baseline of the basketball court and run to the foul line, touch it, then run back to the baseline. Then, run to the half court line, touch it, and run back to the baseline. Repeat this action for the far foul line and the far baseline, running as fast as you can to complete the drill in the shortest amount of time.
Ball Handling
A great point guard has great ball handling skills, and can dribble in and out of pressure with ease. Never stop practicing your ball handling skills, as defenses will get better and better as you get older. It’s vitally important to practice dribbling with both hands, so that you can drive to both sides of the basket. If teams know you can only drive to one side of the basket, they will exploit this weakness and force you to your weak side. Pactice ball handling skills through any number of training drills, including the two-ball drill. For this drill, take two basketballs and walk up and down the court while dribbling one in each hand. This will help you develop dribbling skills in both hands.
Be Smart
Not everything in basketball is about physical conditioning. Since the point guard is the leader on the floor, he needs to be the most knowledgeable person out there. Spend as much time training yourself on the aspects of your teams plays, both defensive and offensive, as you do your physical conditioning. If available to you, study tape of your opponent to know their strengths and weaknesses on both end of the floor. Know your team plays inside and out. A point guard has to be mentally sharp at all times to help his team run as effectively and efficiently as possible.
About this Author
James Patterson specializes in health and wellness topics, having written and produced material for the National Institutes of Health, the President’s Cancer Panel, and an Inc. 500 Hall of Fame company. He is also a former sportswriter, with writing experience in basketball, baseball, softball, golf and other popular sports, and writes relevant sports titles.
